We have witnessed many engaging films about image makers: Tish Murtha. It could be cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when presenting particularly vivid still images. Here arrives another remarkable instance, by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, exploring the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, performer and African American activist who embodied a special artistic-political approach.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: young Black women who emerged as the transformative standard for beauty, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the established Eurocentric ideal of femininity.
The Impact of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase became a radical call to action, an inspired three-word declaration for progress. Just stating that black people possessed beauty emerged as a empowering influence in art, social movements and the arts. The photographer became part of the social justice African diaspora movement by documenting the legendary boxer leading up to his iconic championship fight in that era.
He served as the official image creator for the musical group's international performances, and subsequently was named the house photographer for the iconic Apollo theatre, assembling an extraordinary portfolio of African American artists. Together with his brother, he was the driving force behind securing the South African leader to speak in the community.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son his namesake recounts the family's campaign to secure appropriate credit for his family heritage after he was hurtfully overlooked in Washington DC's National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by the political leader in recent years.
The feature further reveals the profoundly sorrowful genesis of the photographer's interest in visual storytelling: the horrendous photographs of the lynching martyr, the adolescent civil rights murder victim whose bereaved parent defiantly requested an public viewing so the horrific reality of racial hatred would not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
Through this image of violence, Brathwaite encountered a kind of profound understanding that led him toward images of community. His images were eloquent of celebratory strength and often nuanced in approach: he curated a innovative visual language of strength through which activist groups could gather.
This represents an captivating record of artistic vision that still resonate decades later.
